Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2010 Best Children's Books: The Complete List


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Cover art for THE RABBIT PROBLEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2010
by Emily Gravett, illustrated by Emily Gravett

"Endless fun to pore over for kids and math-minded or geeky adults. (Picture book. 4-9, Adult)"
In Gravett's gifted hands, an old math problem springs to life—and more life and more life! Read full book review >
Cover art for AND THEN THERE WERE GNOMES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

"A gem—please, tell us we'll be seeing more of Sasspants! (Graphic fiction. 6-11)"
The denizens of Mr Venezi's Pets & Stuff return for another hilarious mystery. Read full book review >
Cover art for MIRROR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
by Jeannie Baker, illustrated by Jeannie Baker

"Perfectly spectacular. (Picture book. All ages)"
This entirely original book is a strong contender to bring to a desert island, especially as it's two books in one. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010

"Undoubtedly one of the cleverest graphic novels of the year; let's hope this isn't the last of Mirka. (Graphic fantasy. 10-14)"
Like all 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girls, ebullient Mirka must face a six-armed troll to avoid becoming his dinner and obtain a dragon-slaying sword—wait, what? Read full book review >
Cover art for A GOOD HORSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
by Jane Smiley, illustrated by Elaine Clayton

"Rich, real and utterly engrossing. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
This sequel to The Georges and the Jewels (2009) is Smiley at her finest—detailed, nuanced, absorbing. Read full book review >
Cover art for REX ZERO, THE GREAT PRETENDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010

"Genuinely wholesome, packed with affectionate humor, tension and joy. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
After a childhood spent moving constantly across two countries, Rex wonders why his parents can't settle down. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZORA AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Absolutely outstanding. (Historical fiction. 10-16)"
The childhood of African-American literary giant Zora Neale Hurston is brought to life with this fictionalized account. Read full book review >
Cover art for STABLE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
by Ted Lewin, illustrated by Ted Lewin

"Beautiful. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)"
As he did in his acclaimed At Gleason's Gym (2007), Lewin conveys the spirit of a Brooklyn institution through sumptuously detailed, luminous watercolors. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOON OVER MANIFEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
When 12-year-old Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kan., in 1936 to stay with her father's boyhood friend, little does she know her sojourn will take her back, via mesmerizing tales, newspaper clippings, curious mementoes and World War I letters, to Manifest as it was in 1918—and into the life of the mysterious boy nicknamed Jinx. Read full book review >
Cover art for ART & MAX
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2010
by David Wiesner, illustrated by David Wiesner

"In this illustrator's world, mind-blowing art comes from accident, if you're brave enough (like Max) to smile and take an awkward leap. (Picture book. 4-10)"
Two lizards, one an unbridled enthusiast and the other a restrained snoot, stumble along a circuitous creative path together, making art through mishap and engaging all kinds of media along the way. Read full book review >
Cover art for THERE'S GOING TO BE A BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by John Burningham, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

"Heavy paper, generous trim, amusing endpapers and, above all, beautifully evoked relationships combine for a winning package. (Picture book. 2-6)"
Burningham and Oxenbury team for a poignant treatment of a preschooler's ambivalence about a forthcoming new sibling. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MEMORY BANK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Carolyn Coman, illustrated by Rob Shepperson

"Brilliantly crafted, thoroughly enjoyable and, though so very like Dahl, unique as a fascinating new way to ponder dreams and memories. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Children's literature has a long history of cruel parents, but Hope Scroggins's are so heartless, they kick their tiny girl Honey out of the car for laughing… and never turn back. Read full book review >
Cover art for PECAN PIE BABY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Jaqueline Woodson, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

"Fresh and wise. (Picture book. 3-7)"
A feisty big-sister-to-be narrates her ambivalence about her mama's impending childbirth. Read full book review >
Cover art for BUILT TO LAST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by David Macaulay, illustrated by David Macaulay

"Take a moment to mourn the originals, then celebrate this entirely worthy revision. (Nonfiction. 8 & up)"
Significantly updating the Caldecott Honor–winning Castle (1977) and Cathedral (1973) with new text and full-color illustrations, this hefty volume combines them with a very lightly revised Mosque (2003) for a three-in-one architectural spree. Read full book review >
Cover art for 13 WORDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Maira Kalman

"This charming chef-d'oeuvre sings like a mezzo-soprano. (Picture book. 3-10)"
"WORD NUMBER 1: Bird. / The bird sits on the table." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHIRU OF HIGH TIBET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"Inspiration for scientists and ecologists everywhere. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-10)"
In free verse as beautiful as the landscape she describes, Martin tells the ecological plight of the chiru, the tiny antelope-like creatures of the northern plains of Tibet. Read full book review >
Cover art for JIMI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

"Outstanding in every way. (biographical note, author's note, websites, illustrator's note, bibliography, discography) (Picture book/biography. 6-11)"
Golio examines Jimi Hendrix's childhood creativity as a nurtured progression that stoked an explosively influential expression in the '60s. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAD AT MOMMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
by Komako Sakai, illustrated by Komako Sakai

"Charming, classy and current. (Picture book. 3-7)"
This little bunny is in one big huff, and he must tell his mommy exactly how he feels. Read full book review >
Cover art for VIOLET IN BLOOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010

"A triumph. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Fifth grade BFFs Katie-Rose, Yasaman, Violet and Camilla ride again in this stride-hitting second entry in the Flower Power series (Luv Ya Bunches, 2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2010

"An interesting and useful commentary on selected sources rounds out another superb volume by a master of his craft. (Biography. 10 & up)"
Against the wishes of father, family and nation, 19-year-old Gilbert de Lafayette bought a ship, escaped France and became the youngest general in the Continental Army, a teenager leaving a young wife and a huge personal fortune to pursue military glory. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE ARE IN A BOOK!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems

"You bet. (Early reader. 4-8)"
Stalwart friends Piggie and Gerald the elephant push the metafictive envelope in a big way when they realize that "someone is looking at us." Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOOK ALONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering

"Ever eschewing manipulation, it nevertheless could wring tears from stone. (Picture book. 5-10)"
"Abba Jacob was a monk who lived in a hermitage on the island in a faraway sea," reads the opening line of Nelson and Ering's remarkable collaboration, but readers soon discover that the monk does not lead an entirely solitary existence. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPORK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

"A sublime little parable. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Children of mixed marriages are about to find an unlikely ally in their cutlery drawers. Read full book review >
Cover art for MR. ELEPHANTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Lark Pien, illustrated by Lark Pien

"With a slightly old-fangled atmosphere, expressive line work and balmy watercolors, Pien has created a sense of well being, where all is (mostly) right in the best of worlds. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A day in the life of Mr. Elephanter is a slice from the bygone, when the scale and pace of life didn't require medication. Mr. Elephanter, clearly a mild and loving soul, works at the elephantery, tending a small tribe of elephanties. Read full book review >
Cover art for ARROZ CON LECHE / RICE PUDDING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Fernando Vilela

"A nice introduction to the joys of cooking, as well as a strong bilingual addition to any collection. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A lyrical recipe presented in the form of a free-verse poem, this bilingual (Spanish/English) selection combines the fun of cooking with the tenderness of a mother-son relationship. Read full book review >
Cover art for BINKY TO THE RESCUE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ashley Spires, illustrated by Ashley Spires

"The muted palette and variety of panel shapes, sound effects, expressive characters and deadpan humor work in perfect rib-tickling harmony. (Graphic fiction. 7-10)"
Intrepid Space Cat Binky returns with another thrilling and dangerous adventure! Read full book review >
Cover art for CURSE OF THE WERE-WIENER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ursula Vernon, illustrated by Ursula Vernon

"Stay tuned. (Graphic hybrid fantasy. 8-11)"
School lunch bites—literally—in the third impossibly droll escapade featuring dragonling Danny Dragonbreath and his peace-loving iguana buddy, Wendell. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHO STOLE MONA LISA?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Ruthie Knapp, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

"A gem. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-8)"
This inventive book's $20,000 Pyramid category would be "What Mona Lisa Might Say." Read full book review >
Cover art for WHAT HAPPENED ON FOX STREET
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Love, belief and caring. (Fiction. 8-12)"
Mo mostly loves living on Fox Street, which has everything except foxes, girlfriends and her mom (who died when she was young). Read full book review >
Cover art for BINK & GOLLIE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"More, please! (Early reader. 6-8)"
If James Marshall's George and Martha were not hippos and were both girls, they would be much like best friends Bink and Gollie in this charming early-reader series debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CROWFIELD CURSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Understatedly tender and mystical yet solid; it ends in temporary peace, with sequel potential. (daily abbey schedule, glossary) (Historical fantasy. 9-12)"
In 1347 at a country monastery, a wondrous mystery unfolds. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE UNSINKABLE WALKER BEAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Aaron Renier, illustrated by Aaron Renier

Anyone who has said that pirates are an overused motif in youth literature has not yet met Walker Bean. Read full book review >
Cover art for KUBLA KHAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Robert Byrd

"This account is like Kubla Khan himself—amazing. (author's and illustrator's notes, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-12)"
The Emperor of Everything, indeed! Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ROOSTER PRINCE OF BRESLOV
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Stampler's touching note demonstrates this layered tale's openness to multiple interpretations. (author's note) (Picture book/folktale. 4-7)"
This exuberantly rendered Yiddish folktale is bright in hue and spirit. Read full book review >
Cover art for FINDING FAMILY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010

"Each carefully posed subject is a fascinating enigma. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
Set in 1905 Charleston, W.Va., this richly lyrical and historically persuasive coming-of-age story explores the ties that bind, break and renew an affluent African-American family. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 31, 2010

"O'Connor has spun a lovely read that perfectly captures the schemes and plans of school-age kids in the long days of summer. (Fiction. 8-11)"
"The short, sad life of Tooley Graham was over," doesn't sound like a happy conclusion but is pitch perfect in this short, simple and endearing middle-grade novel that follows on the heels of The Small Adeventure of Popeye and Elvis (2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for CLEVER JACK TAKES THE CAKE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 24, 2010
by Candace Fleming, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

"The simple-but-expressive, cartoonish illustrations on textured paper and the delightfully clever design further distinguish this cheerful charmer. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A winsome gouache-and-pencil landscape sets the stage—a hilltop castle, a messenger on horseback, an escaped letter fluttering under the door of a humble cottage. Read full book review >
Cover art for BALLET FOR MARTHA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 3, 2010

"Archival photographs embellish the biographical notes at the end—a lovely touch. (bibliography, notes) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"
Appalachian Spring, the modern dance that celebrates the wedding of a Pioneer Woman and her Husbandman, is a brillantly conceived and enduring paean to American frontier life. Read full book review >
Cover art for ROSLYN RUTABAGA AND THE BIGGEST HOLE ON EARTH!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by Marie-Louise Gay, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

"Roslyn Rutabaga is one darned determined—and adorable—bunny. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Roslyn Rutabaga wakes up one morning with a grand plan: She wants to dig the Biggest Hole on Earth. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEART OF A SAMURAI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by Margi Preus, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

"The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy, by Rhoda Blumberg (2001). (historical note, extensive glossary, bibliography.) (Historical fiction. 9-13)"
In 1841, 14-year-old Manjiro joined four others on an overnight fishing trip. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEPARTURE TIME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by Truus Matti, translated by Nancy Forest-Flier

"Initially perplexing and surreal, the narrative's juxtaposition of fantasy and reality eventually blends beautifully in the convincing conclusion. (Fiction. 10 & up)"
In this debut novel, two seemingly unrelated stories merge into a poignant journey from anger to acceptance. Read full book review >
Cover art for IN THE WILD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by David Elliott, illustrated by Holly Meade

"The poems, though they employ some sophisticated vocabulary, are short and direct, a feature that will demonstrate to verse-averse young readers that poetry can be powerful and pleasurable without being too complicated or threatening. (Picture book/poetry. 4-10)"
A stunning combination of poems and illustrations celebrating some of Earth's wildest and most beautiful creatures. Read full book review >
Cover art for GHOSTOPOLIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Doug TenNapel, illustrated by Doug TenNapel

"Creepy details, quick quips and a wry, deadpan (pun absolutely intended) humor are sure to delight. (Graphic fiction. 9-12)"
As an agent for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, it is Frank Gallows's job to catch ghosts on Earth and send them back to the afterlife. Read full book review >
Cover art for LING & TING
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Grace Lin, illustrated by Grace Lin

"This spot-on depiction of twins celebrates individuality. (Early reader. 6-9)"
Newbery Honor author Lin makes a stunning entrée into the world of early readers. Read full book review >
Cover art for DOODLEBUG
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010

"Charming and thoughtful. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Those who might be tempted to dismiss this heavily illustrated saga of middle-school angst and family upheaval as a Wimpy Kid knock-off will miss an engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures. Read full book review >
Cover art for WALDEN THEN AND NOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Michael McCurdy, illustrated by Michael McCurdy

"An unusual yet entirely appropriate introduction to the famed hermit—and the other residents of Walden Pond. (source notes with quotes from Walden) (Alphabet book. 10 & up)"
This elegant alphabet book brilliantly conveys the essence of 19th-century American author, naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau's solitary sojourn at Walden Pond. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPACEHEADZ
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 22, 2010

"You will be SPHDZ! (Multi-platform science fiction. 7-12)"
P.S. 858 fifth grader Michael K. had hoped for a normal first day in his new school, but what he gets is crazy-weird. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010

"An outstanding achievement. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Funny and deeply affecting, this novel by the Steptoe Award winner for Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It (2007) revisits the still largely unexplored world of multiracial heritage. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEAVER IS LOST
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
by Elisha Cooper, illustrated by Elisha Cooper

"Stunning in their simplicity, these pictures speak a thousand words. (Picture book. 3-7)"
When unflappable Beaver accidentally lands in the big city, he encounters challenges finding his way home. Read full book review >
Cover art for CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 8, 2010
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon J Muth

"The image of a happy dog treading water with a frog on his head says it all. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
In Willems's latest, a departure from his urban sensibility as well as his first book as solely the author, a dog from the city explores new territory when he moves to the country and befriends a frog. Read full book review >